Lee Attends Hearing on Due Process Rights
Feb 29, 2012
Today, in a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee entitled, “The Due Process Guarantee Act: Banning Indefinite Detention of Americans,” Senator Mike Lee reaffirmed his support for legislation that would clarify that the U.S. government does not have the authority to detain without trial American citizens apprehended on U.S. soil.
Pompeo, DeMint, Lee and Johnson to Hold Bicameral Press Conference Tomorrow
Feb 29, 2012
Congressman Mike Pompeo (KS-04) will join Senators Jim Demint (R-SC), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Ron Johnson (R-WI) tomorrow at a press conference to highlight their efforts to end all energy subsidies in the tax code, including the controversial wind production tax credit.
Western Caucus Examines Washington Barriers to Prosperity and Property Rights in the West
Feb 29, 2012
Today, Senate Western Caucus Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY), Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM), Hearing Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Members of the Senate and Congressional Western Caucuses hosted a bicameral hearing entitled “Washington Barriers to Prosperity and Property Rights in the West.”
Government of Laws -- Day Lee Briefing 02/28/2012
Feb 28, 2012
Mr. Obama’s unprecedented and unconstitutional assertion of the recess appointment power would allow presidents of both parties to routinely circumvent the Senate’s advice-and-consent function and thus deprive the people’s representatives of an essential constitutional check on the executive branch.
Senator Lee Questions Salazar on Central Utah Water Project
Feb 28, 2012
So I just wanted to ask, given how well it’s been managed under the Central Utah Water Conservancy District and given the problems that we had when it was previously under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Reclamation. Why is it a good idea to change that?
LEE: Obama’s lawless recess appointments
Feb 28, 2012
The president cannot expect the Senate’s full cooperation at the same time that he does violence to Congress‘ constitutional prerogatives. In response to the president’s unconstitutional actions, the Senate must adopt a new threshold for confirming his nominees. Simply put, there is a new standard for Senate confirmations.
American Energy, Lost Opportunity -- Day Lee Briefing 02/27/2012
Feb 27, 2012
Gasoline prices have never been higher this time of the year.
Gas Prices Going Up -- Day Lee Briefing 02/24/2012
Feb 24, 2012
Gas prices have gained 12 cents this week, as tensions over Iran heat up and oil prices keep moving higher.
More From The State Legislature -- Day Lee Briefing 02/23/12
Feb 23, 2012
Today’s Agenda
Today, Senator Lee is in Utah to meet with constituents.
From the Senator’s Desk
Photos of Senator Lee delivering his annual report to the state legislature:
On Twitter
SenMikeLee
VIDEO: Obama ‘Manifestly Wrong’ on U.S. Constitution, Says Sen. Mike Lee http://blog.heritage.org/2012/02/14/video-obama-manifestly-wrong-on-u-s-constitution-says-sen-mike-lee/ via @heritage
SenLeeComs
Lee Tells State Lawmakers, Fight For Access to Lands http://bit.ly/ziBOuJ | Also delivers his 500-page annual report to Utahns #utpol #utleg
SenLeePressSec
Lee visited the State Capitol yesterday, discussing states rights, bipartisanship, and getting "carded": http://bit.ly/xwUpqD #utleg #utpol
SenLeeResearch
Photos of @SenMikeLee personally delivering his annual report to the Utah state legislature: http://bit.ly/y5qhj0 #utpol #utleg #utah #tcot
Around the Water Cooler
'Friends of Syria' consider ultimatum to Assad
The United States, Europe and Arab nations are preparing to demand that Syrian President Bashar Assad agree within days to a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid into areas hardest hit by his regime's brutal crackdown on opponents.
Economists don't like some of Obama's corporate tax plan
Cutting corporate tax rates and deleting loopholes is just what most economists prescribe for the tangled U.S. tax code
So why isn't everyone cheering the plan President Barack Obama unveiled Tuesday to slash the top corporate tax rate and end breaks that let some companies pay little or nothing in taxes?
LEE: Merger of Pharmacy Benefit Managers a Significant Transaction That Could Benefit Consumers
Feb 23, 2012
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission regarding the proposed merger between Express Scripts, Inc. and Medco Health Solutions, Inc. Lee, the Ranking Member on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Antitrust Subcommittee, noted that the merger of these two large pharmacy benefit managers (“PBMs”) is a significant transaction that should be given careful consideration by the FTC. Lee’s letter urged the FTC to pay close attention to the pro-competitive effects that may result from the merger.
“The merger of these PBMs may pose some risks to the market’s competitive balance but overall has the potential to create meaningful efficiencies and provide significant savings for consumers.”
“The combined entity may produce significant cost savings for health plan sponsors by means of its increased bargaining power and its improved tools for closing gaps in care, promoting adherence to medications, and overall disease management.”
“I am not aware of significant evidence that this merger will result in decreased competition among viable PBMs able to service most companies and accounts.”
Lee stated that any anticompetitive effects of the merger on community pharmacies would be of special concern, “in light of the important service those small businesses provide to rural and otherwise underserved residents in my State and throughout the country.”
Lee’s letter added that it is important to remember that the purpose of the antitrust laws is to maximize consumer welfare, not to protect competitors, and that “government regulators must be careful not to intervene in a manner that will constrain productive market forces.”